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Variations in Tenses::, Should

The document discusses different types of conditional sentences in English: - The first conditional uses present or present perfect verbs in the if-clause and future verbs in the main clause to describe possible or likely outcomes. - The second conditional uses past verbs in both clauses to describe unlikely or hypothetical scenarios. - The third conditional uses past perfect verbs to talk about wishes or regrets regarding situations that are now impossible. - The zero conditional describes general truths using the present simple in both clauses.

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59 views2 pages

Variations in Tenses::, Should

The document discusses different types of conditional sentences in English: - The first conditional uses present or present perfect verbs in the if-clause and future verbs in the main clause to describe possible or likely outcomes. - The second conditional uses past verbs in both clauses to describe unlikely or hypothetical scenarios. - The third conditional uses past perfect verbs to talk about wishes or regrets regarding situations that are now impossible. - The zero conditional describes general truths using the present simple in both clauses.

Uploaded by

ValeriuPiron
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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VARIATIONS IN TENSES:

There are a number of variations in the tenses or verb forms that can be used
in conditional sentences.

FIRST CONDITIONAL:

The IF clause is usually in the present simple. However , we can also use:
present continuous , present perfect simple , present perfect continuous , can
, should.
If he’s still watching TV , mother will get very angry.
You’ll have to buy the tickets sooner if you’re going to the cinema tonight.
If John has arrived already , I’m sure he’ll wait for you.
If it has been raining in the night , you’ll have to wear wellingtons.
If I can finish it today , I’ll be free to help you , then.
If you should see him , tell him to call me.

The main clause usually has the verb in the future with will/shall.
However , we can also use: ‘be going to ‘ future , future continuous , future
perfect , imperative , can/could , may/might , should/ought to , must.
If the children are good I’m going to buy them a present.
If we book this holiday , we’ll be lying on the sand in two weeks’ time.
If they win the next match , they will have won every match in the season.
If you are in need , give me a call.
If you phone me after midnight , I might be in bed.
If they don’t finish their homework , they can’t go out.

SECOND CONDITIONAL:

The IF clause is usually in the past simple. However , we can also use: past
continuous , could , were/was to.
If you were coming with me , I I’d give you a lift.
If I could win that match , I would be so happy!
If you were to apply for a scholarship , I’m sure you’ll get it.
The main clause usually has the modal would + infinitive . However , the
modals could and might are also used and the infinitive can be in the
continuous form.
If I had more money , I wouldn’t be driving this old car.
We could buy more things if we had more money.
If you asked Tony , he might do it for you.

THIRD CONDITIONAL:

The IF clause is usually in the past perfect simple. However , we can also
use the past perfect continuous or could + perfect infinitive.
If he had been travelling in that car , he would have been killed too.
If we could have got a taxi ,we would have come round to see you.

The main clause usually has the modal would + perfect infinitive .
However , we can also use the modals could and might before the perfect
infinitive.
If I had found out about that earlier , I could have helped.
If the ambulance had come sooner , they might have been saved.

THE ZERO CONDITIONAL:

If I stay out late , I always get a taxi home.


present simple present simple

To describe something that is generally true. The use of it her is very similar
to when. Each time I stay out late , I get a taxi home. We can also use the
past simple in the two clauses. If I stayed out late , I always got a taxi home.

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